About Brian

An Award-Winning Journalist & REALTOR®

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Meet BRIAN

 
Brian has been serving the communities of Northern Michigan for three decades, first as an award-winning journalist, city commissioner and planning commissioner for Traverse City and as a Realtor® since 2018. For the first two years as a Realtor he worked on a real estate team that focused solely on waterfront living before being invited to join Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate, one of the most trusted brands in the nation. 
 
Brian knows Northern Michigan. He raised his family along with his wife Rebecca, a retired teacher, in Charlevoix and Traverse City. He worked as both a Congressional Aide for five years in Traverse City and newspaper journalist covering government, business, entertainment, and the people and amentities of the region for more than 20 years. He can tell you the history of our wine region, direct you to some of the best but least known beaches, explain your property tax options, or advise you on a rezoning.
 
Looking to sell? Brian's applies his knowledge and experience in media and political campaigns to ensure we don't "bury the lede" about the advantages of your property. We identify not some, but ALL of the positives. Then we lead with the most eye catching professional imagery and the brightest aspect of the property to draw the interest of the most buyers at first glance to click on your property. We then follow up with all of the positives that may entice the widest range of buyers. Because details count.
 
Looking to buy? Brian will use his knowledge of the region to help you find the best location that fits your needs. That includes making sure local regulations, flood zones, and zoning, and use restrictions won't be a surprise, especially if you are hoping to build and for waterfront properties which come with their own unique challenges.
 
A few other quick details about Brian. He has a BA in Communications from Michigan State University, is an avid DIYer who has flipped a number of homes, and is about to add a third (and hopefully final) addition to his current home). He has coached youth sports, and currently volunteers for both the National Cherry Festival and the Traverse City Film Festival. He enjoys fishing, boating, camping, and spending time with family.
 
So whether you are buying or selling, Brian's broad knowledge and dedication to his clients can give you the edge you need. So give him a call, he's a good person to know.

BRIAN MCGILLIVARY

REALTOR®
LICENSE NUMBER
6501411059
ADDRESS
630 E FRONT ST., #200 TRAVERSE CITY, MI 49686

Testimonials

Your referral is the best compliment I can earn!
Kacie M.

Kacie M.

Knowledgeable and always willing to go the extra mile for me.
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Briana L.

Briana L.

Brian went above and beyond for our group. He dug and dug to find us a great space. We wouldn't be where we are without him.
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Rick B.

Rick B.

Brian was always willing to go the extra mile for us in our search for the perfect place and was always very friendly and professional while doing so.
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John M.

John M.

Brian McGillivary did a very excellent job representing me in the purchase of a new home up in Traverse City he was so efficient seem to be on the job what more can you ask of a real estate agent thank you.
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Daniel P.

Daniel P.

Brian was great to work with, he listened to what I was looking for and gave great professional advice. Very patient with me during my time out of state and communication was perfect. Thankful for his help to get me into a buil...
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Sue S.

Sue S.

Brian was very supportive and great at answering our questions. He always was reliable and easy to get in contact with. We are an older couple and he was very patient. Will recommend him to anyone we know that's looking for a h...
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Ross R.

Ross R.

Brian was very professional, gave great advice in terms of selecting a property, and worked diligently when issues arose around financing and ultimately consummating the closing. I got to know Brian in his previous career as a ...
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Buyer

Buyer

Brian set us up online to receive notifications of homes in our price range and when one came up that we were interested in we had an appointment to see it within hours and did a tour. Brian helped us craft an offer and walked ...
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Thomas B.

Thomas B.

Brian personifies experience and dedication. Brian has driven far from his local market to show us properties halfway across the state. He always does his homework so we never have any questions he can't answer. Working with Br...
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Mark M.

Mark M.

Brian was an invaluable agent during our property search. He is very knowledgeable about the many facets associated with buying property. Specifically, he understands and has a firm grasp of the following: Technical aspects ass...
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Whether you are buying or selling, Brian's dedication to his customers coupled with the Resources of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate can give you the edge you need. So give Brian a call, he’s a good person to know.

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